Why do people rave so much about Florida? The weather is
for half the time and it's completely flat! California wins hands down IMHO. From Los Angeles we have sea level to 10,000ft+ mountains about 15 minutes. The weather is also far more conducive to training. But you are always careful of the Santa Ana winds, which makes you very good at reading weather charts.
I agree completely with velj - stay clear of Rainbow. They have had two accidents in the 7 weeks that I've been out here, not counting the number of near misses I've witnessed. I was disappointed with Group 3 Aviation when I visited the other week. It felt too much like a pilot factory.
If you want my advice, do your ATPLs first and then come across the pond. I would recommend Angel City Flyers at Long Beach. I cannot fault them in any way for the training I received (FAA ME CPL/IR). Everybody is dedicated to the training. (e.g. We arrived back from my qualifying cross country at midnight and started next day at 8am.) My training came in significantly under budget, which is I believe is testament to the training. This is a fairly small school, but they have a very good working relationship with the FAA. The management is British/Irish and they are receiving the D-Jet aircraft and simulator when they are released. You wouldn't be the only European there either. If you want any more information on anything let me know.
Bobby